President Bola Tinubu has formally presented a ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget proposal for Rivers State to the National Assembly, asking lawmakers to approve the spending plan in light of the ongoing emergency rule in the state. The request, conveyed through a letter read in both chambers on Thursday, marks a significant federal intervention following the Supreme Court’s annulment of Rivers State’s earlier budget.
In his communication to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Tinubu referenced the emergency governance situation in Rivers, which was officially declared in March 2025 and resulted in the suspension of the state’s executive and legislative functions.
Tinubu reminded lawmakers that since March 2025, Rivers State has been operating under emergency rule, which effectively halted the activities of the state assembly. As outlined in Regulation 4, subsection 2(f) of the Emergency Rule 2025, any spending from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund requires approval from the National Assembly.
Tinubu wrote, “The National Assembly is expected to perform the role of the state legislature under the emergency rule framework.”
The proposed budget prioritizes key development sectors. A total of ₦324 billion has been allocated for infrastructure, covering both ongoing and new capital projects. The health sector is set to receive ₦166 billion, which includes ₦5 billion specifically earmarked for free drugs targeting malaria and other common ailments. Education has been allocated ₦75.6 billion, while ₦31.4 billion is planned for agricultural development, which is projected to generate approximately 6,000 jobs across the state.
Tinubu emphasized that the spending plan is structured to address the most pressing needs of the people of Rivers State during this period of emergency administration. “This budget reflects our commitment to critical areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. These investments are expected to stimulate local employment and enhance public services,” the President stated in his letter.
Following the letter’s presentation, Senate President Akpabio directed the proposal to the Senate’s ad-hoc committee on Rivers State, urging a swift review and timely feedback to the plenary. The House of Representatives is also expected to take similar legislative action in the coming days.
This intervention comes after months of political crisis in Rivers State that culminated in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly earlier this year.
President Tinubu ended his letter by expressing hope that the National Assembly would give the Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill timely and positive consideration, stating, “Accordingly, I hereby forward the Rivers State Government 2025 Appropriation Bill and trust that it will receive the expeditious and favourable consideration of the Senate.”
